BACKGROUND
In vitro cell culture systems have provided researchers the appropriate tool for effectively studying cell growth and differentiation, understanding cellular response to specific environmental stimuli, and last but not least, elucidating the function of heterologous biological molecules produced from expression systems. All in vitro cell culture systems require a culture media formulated to the nutritional and metabolic requirements of the particular cell type to be cultured. However, the complexity of these systems varies depending on the model organism being cultured (bacteria, plants, yeast, and animal). Unlike bacteria and yeast, animal cell cultures require sophisticated auxiliary technologies (e.g., controlled air and pressure flow system, specialized facilities and equipment) and careful handling by trained personnel. These complex requirements post a limitation to transferring cells to and from remote field locations for investigation. Furthermore, this limitation is a technical hurdle in the development of technologies involving use of live cells (e.g., cytosensors).
INNOVATION
Researchers at UCLA have identified a novel and unrealized feature in the conventional cell culture system whereby such feature may be exploited to adapt simple existing technologies to form a portable apparatus for storing and growing cells. The present invention is a completely self-contained cell culture system wherein a cell culture may be viably stored frozen for extended periods, then incubated and grown when required, utilizing only constituents within the self-contained system. The apparatus may be adapted for culturing of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and can be made in different sizes. A palm-size prototype has thus far been generated.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
- Detection of toxic and non-toxic chemical and biological agents (e.g., cytosensors)
- Bioterrorism
- Quality monitoring control of ecosystems (water, air, soil)
- Cytotoxicity assays including drug testing in the pharmaceutical industry
- Forensic studies
- Epidemic outbreak due to deadly viruses
- The invention may further be used in transferring cells for clinical cellular transplantation
- Transfer of effector immune cells in adoptive immunization (e.g. lymphocytes)
- Transplantation of purified cells (e.g., purified pancreatic B-cells in Type I diabetes) to replace disease associated loss of function
- Transplantation of human stem cells
- High-throughput cellular screening
ADVANTAGES
- Portable
- Small size;
- Cost-effective
- Easy to manufacture
- Adapted from existing methods
- Reduction of energy costs
- Minimal handling required
STATE OF DEVELOPMENT
The researchers have generated a prototype of the invention and have demonstrated that cells from a particular cell line remained viable and functional after being frozen in the apparatus for more than a year. The Researchers will continue work to: 1. Improve the apparatus and the conditions within the cell culture system to prolong the time, which these cells may be frozen; 2. Demonstrate that other cell lines have similar viability durations; and, 3. Explore additional applications for the invention.